There’s an exciting area of research in agriculture called “vertical farming.” Rather than farming open fields, researchers are seeking ways to farm crops on walls and other vertical surfaces.

In addition to reducing threats from soil disease and pests, vertical farming could be a promising way to make small scale agriculture in an urban environment. Imagine farmers being able to grow food in big cities. Not only would it bring fresh and local produce to restaurants and farmers markets, but it also could help make it easier to get healthy food into low-income minority neighborhoods where there are no grocery stores.

Vertical farming represents a promising new approach to growing food and eliminating urban “food deserts.” The key to continued growth of this type of new innovative farming technique will be through the use of technology developed within this state.